Foster Youth

Extended Foster Care

California’s Extended Foster Care (EFC) Program allows eligible youth in the foster care and/or probation systems to remain in foster care until age 21.  Youth may leave extended foster care and later choose to re-enter the program up to age 21. 

Basic Eligibility Requirements

At the six-month hearing prior to youth turning age 18, the social worker/probation officer must have a plan to ensure the youth meet at least ONE of the following participation criteria:

• Working toward completion of high school or equivalent program (e.g. GED); OR
• Enrolled in college, community college or a vocational education program; OR
• Employed at least 80 hours a month; OR
• Participating in a program designed to assist in gaining employment; OR
• Unable to do one of the above requirements because of a medical condition.
  • Non-minor dependents must sign an agreement to reside in an eligible placement location and agree to work with a social worker/probation officer to meet the goals outlined in their Transitional Independent Living Case Plan.
  • Remaining in foster care after age 18 is voluntary. Non-minor dependents can exit at age 18 or at any subsequent time before age 21. Youth who exit at age 18 can re-enter foster care at any time before age 21.
  • Tribal youth under county jurisdiction are also eligible to remain in foster care after age 18.
  • Tribes with a Title IV-E agreement with the state or federal government can create their own extended foster care (EFC) program.
  •  Probation youth who are in a foster care placement are also eligible for EFC.

State of California Extended Foster Care (EFC)

How to return to Foster Care

Independent Living Program (ILP)

The ILP provides training, services, and benefits to assist current and former foster youth in achieving self-sufficiency prior to, and after leaving, the foster care system. Many activities and classes include incentives for participation and opportunities to earn additional rewards.

Independent Living Program Guide

What is ILP?

The Independent Living Program (ILP) was established to assist youth with the supportive services and skills necessary to transition from foster care to self‑sufficiency. Youth may be eligible for services from age 16 up to their 21st birthday. ILP is facilitated by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS).

How do I know if I’m eligible for ILP services?

Youth who meet any of the following criteria may be eligible for ILP services:

• Youth (either documented or undocumented) between 16 and 18 years old and currently in foster care.
• Youth previously in foster care and receiving ILP services but returned home at age 16 or older.
• Youth placed by court order with a relative or non-relative who acts as a guardian and is receiving Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-Gap) funding.
• Youth placed in a court-ordered guardianship and later adopted at age 16 or older.
• Foster youth who ran away but returned to CFS for assistance before reaching the age of 21.

How do I enroll in this program?

Foster youth aged 16 and older will work with a social worker (SW) to complete a Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP).  A copy of the TILP is provided to the ILP clerk to determine if the youth is eligible for ILP services.  Youth who meet the eligibility requirements will be registered for ILP and receive information on upcoming events by mail and from their SW, as well as the PFAs. 

What are some of the services ILP provides?

 All eligible youth who sign up with ILP will receive the following services:

• Life Skills workshops
• College/vocational school preparation
• College financial aid workshops
• PFA guidance

The Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+)

THP+ is available to emancipated ILP youth between the ages of 21 and 25 for a total of 36 months, or whichever comes first.  THP+ provides housing assistance, supportive services, and life coaches to youth who are:

• Working
• Going to school full-time
• Working and going to school part-time
• For more information, contact ILP at 909.891.3300 or email CFSILP@hss.sbcounty.gov

Who is eligible for ILP?

Youth are eligible for ILP services from age 16 to the day before their 21st birthday, provided one of the following criteria is met:

• The youth was/is in foster care at any time from their 16th to their 19th birthday.
• The youth was placed in out-of-home care by a tribe or tribal organization between their 16th and 19th birthdays.
• The youth is a former dependent who entered into a kinship guardianship at any age and is receiving/received Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) between the ages of 16 and 18.
• The youth is a former dependent who entered into a Non-Related Legal Guardianship (NRLG) after attaining age 8 and is receiving/received permanent placement services.

California Department of Social Services ILP website